Jessica Nelson's Blog, page 12
March 28, 2012
For Realz, It Could Happen To You
You can get published.
It can really happen.
Wherever you are right now, you need to know it's possible and that for those who are persistent, who hone their craft and choose to write the best story they can, your odds of getting published dramatically increase.
Next month, I'm going to interview a debut author every week. This month, I know of at least two debut authors whose first books have recently released.
Eva Maria Hamilton with her inspy historical romance, Highland Hearts
Tori Chase with her romantic suspense Serial Games
Do you think it could happen to you? Do you have a game plan? Do you know any debut authors this month, and who are they?
It can really happen.
Wherever you are right now, you need to know it's possible and that for those who are persistent, who hone their craft and choose to write the best story they can, your odds of getting published dramatically increase.
Next month, I'm going to interview a debut author every week. This month, I know of at least two debut authors whose first books have recently released.
Eva Maria Hamilton with her inspy historical romance, Highland Hearts
Tori Chase with her romantic suspense Serial Games
Do you think it could happen to you? Do you have a game plan? Do you know any debut authors this month, and who are they?
March 21, 2012
Reviewing Shades of Truth by Sandra Orchard (giveaway)
I really enjoyed this book for several reasons.
Sandra is currently writing a series of books based on Undercover Policemen. The underlying theme is how living a double life can affect their Christian walks and their relationships. This premise has really intrigued me and I reviewed Sandra's first book HERE.
Shades of Truth (March 2012 LIS)
Big city detective Ethan Reed is working deep undercover at a Christian youth detention center. The kind of place he spent some harrowing time in as a kid. Ethan's mission: ferret out who's recruiting resident teens for a drug ring. He expects help from the lovely, devoted director of Hope Manor. But Kim Corbett won't tell Ethan anything— even when she's threatened and attacked. When Ethan discovers what Kim is protecting, his guarded heart opens just a bit wider. Enough to make this the most dangerous assignment of his career.
This is the second book in Sandra's series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line.
The heroine is Ginny's friend from Deep Cover, but her career and character were inspired by the passion of Sandra's pastor's daughter for her work at a faith-based youth detention facility.
When I opened this book, the first thing I liked was the chemistry between the characters. Who wouldn't want to be rescued by Hotness Himself? I loved that the main character Kim has this "thing" for policemen. She was a very likable character for me, especially in her interactions with her best friend. Besides the great attraction between the characters, I also loved that I couldn't figure out who the villain was or what exactly was going to happen. Sandra did a great job of keeping the reader guessing and the plot moving. I'll definitely be reading more of her books!
Sandra loves to connect with readers, and has created "novel extras" to enhance readers' experience of her books. Check out these and other resources for both readers and writers at her website: http://www.SandraOrchard.com.
If you'd like to receive updates on her new releases, special subscriber-only reads and giveaway opportunities, sign up for her newsletter.
She'd also love for you to connect at Facebook and join in the conversations about characters on her blog.
Link to book on Harlequin.
Have you read this any of Sandra's books? What do you think about using deception to bring about justice?
One commenter will win my gently used copy of Sandra's book :-)
Sandra is currently writing a series of books based on Undercover Policemen. The underlying theme is how living a double life can affect their Christian walks and their relationships. This premise has really intrigued me and I reviewed Sandra's first book HERE.
Shades of Truth (March 2012 LIS) Big city detective Ethan Reed is working deep undercover at a Christian youth detention center. The kind of place he spent some harrowing time in as a kid. Ethan's mission: ferret out who's recruiting resident teens for a drug ring. He expects help from the lovely, devoted director of Hope Manor. But Kim Corbett won't tell Ethan anything— even when she's threatened and attacked. When Ethan discovers what Kim is protecting, his guarded heart opens just a bit wider. Enough to make this the most dangerous assignment of his career.
This is the second book in Sandra's series, Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives—and hearts—on the line.
The heroine is Ginny's friend from Deep Cover, but her career and character were inspired by the passion of Sandra's pastor's daughter for her work at a faith-based youth detention facility.
When I opened this book, the first thing I liked was the chemistry between the characters. Who wouldn't want to be rescued by Hotness Himself? I loved that the main character Kim has this "thing" for policemen. She was a very likable character for me, especially in her interactions with her best friend. Besides the great attraction between the characters, I also loved that I couldn't figure out who the villain was or what exactly was going to happen. Sandra did a great job of keeping the reader guessing and the plot moving. I'll definitely be reading more of her books!
Sandra loves to connect with readers, and has created "novel extras" to enhance readers' experience of her books. Check out these and other resources for both readers and writers at her website: http://www.SandraOrchard.com. If you'd like to receive updates on her new releases, special subscriber-only reads and giveaway opportunities, sign up for her newsletter.
She'd also love for you to connect at Facebook and join in the conversations about characters on her blog.
Link to book on Harlequin.
Have you read this any of Sandra's books? What do you think about using deception to bring about justice?
One commenter will win my gently used copy of Sandra's book :-)
March 14, 2012
Linkage!!
The self-promotion madness has started!
Many of you know I sent out some of my book copies to those who wanted them for review purposes. Some sweet ladies have already posted their reviews so here's the linkage to that, as well as a guest post.
My memories of my grandma's silo (and a giveaway) at Anita Mae Draper's blog
Brandi Boddie gave an awesome review. I loved her breakdown of my characters. :-)
Rebecca Miller also did a sweet review of Love On The Range
Then, I came across some interesting articles.
Abingdon editor Ramona Richards on what can happen at a conference
Women on Writing dish out critique group advice
Many of you know I sent out some of my book copies to those who wanted them for review purposes. Some sweet ladies have already posted their reviews so here's the linkage to that, as well as a guest post.
My memories of my grandma's silo (and a giveaway) at Anita Mae Draper's blog
Brandi Boddie gave an awesome review. I loved her breakdown of my characters. :-)
Rebecca Miller also did a sweet review of Love On The Range
Then, I came across some interesting articles.
Abingdon editor Ramona Richards on what can happen at a conference
Women on Writing dish out critique group advice
March 7, 2012
That Time I Walked into the Boy's Bathroom
Let me preface my post with this: It's happened more than once.
That's right.
I, Jessica Nelson, have unwittingly walked into the men's bathroom. Worse. I've used it without realizing until too late where I was. (That was a mad scramble out, actually, it was very strategic, involving much peering beneath the stall for a clear coast).
But in this particular time, daydreaming or rushing was not my reason for pushing the wrong door. And I was in the worst place possible to make this mistake.
Middle school.
I have this little habit that I do quite well. It's called Ralking (I just made a word for it up *grin*). As you might have guessed, the definition of this word is reading while walking.
There was a book in front of my nose when I pushed the wrong door.
What is the funniest, weirdest or stupidest thing you've ever done or said while reading a book? Have you seen any crazy stuff happen while someone was reading?
That's right.
I, Jessica Nelson, have unwittingly walked into the men's bathroom. Worse. I've used it without realizing until too late where I was. (That was a mad scramble out, actually, it was very strategic, involving much peering beneath the stall for a clear coast).
But in this particular time, daydreaming or rushing was not my reason for pushing the wrong door. And I was in the worst place possible to make this mistake.
Middle school.
I have this little habit that I do quite well. It's called Ralking (I just made a word for it up *grin*). As you might have guessed, the definition of this word is reading while walking.
There was a book in front of my nose when I pushed the wrong door.
What is the funniest, weirdest or stupidest thing you've ever done or said while reading a book? Have you seen any crazy stuff happen while someone was reading?
February 29, 2012
Dangerous Times in 1918
Today I'm posting at the Craftie Ladies of Romance about what I think of the early twentieth century and how it influenced my book.
Danger and excitement, oh my! *grin*
Pop by if you have a chance.
Danger and excitement, oh my! *grin*
Pop by if you have a chance.
February 22, 2012
Got Garbage?
(this is a repost)
Compost: a combination of decomposed plants and animal materials and other organic materials that are being decomposed largely through aerobic decomposition into a rich black soil.
Ever think your daydreaming might be a waste of time? The procrastination that strikes suddenly and with paralyzing force a loss of opportunity?
Maybe not.
Deb posted a fascinating account of a conference she attended. In it, author Ursula LeGuin spoke about compost, and how it's similar to what happens in our writing lives.
LeGuin is quoted as saying,
"Compost needs silence, darkness, time and patience."
Which ingredient do you find easiest to find? Which is more elusive? Is the soil of your writing garden dry or rich?
Compost: a combination of decomposed plants and animal materials and other organic materials that are being decomposed largely through aerobic decomposition into a rich black soil.
Ever think your daydreaming might be a waste of time? The procrastination that strikes suddenly and with paralyzing force a loss of opportunity?
Maybe not.
Deb posted a fascinating account of a conference she attended. In it, author Ursula LeGuin spoke about compost, and how it's similar to what happens in our writing lives.
LeGuin is quoted as saying,
"Compost needs silence, darkness, time and patience."
Which ingredient do you find easiest to find? Which is more elusive? Is the soil of your writing garden dry or rich?
Got Garbage?
(this is a repost)
Compost: a combination of decomposed plants and animal materials and other organic materials that are being decomposed largely through aerobic decomposition into a rich black soil.
Ever think your daydreaming might be a waste of time? The procrastination that strikes suddenly and with paralyzing force a loss of opportunity?
Maybe not.
Deb posted a fascinating account of a conference she attended. In it, author Ursula LeGuin spoke about compost, and how it's similar to what happens in our writing lives.
LeGuin is quoted as saying,
"Compost needs silence, darkness, time and patience."
Which ingredient do you find easiest to find? Which is more elusive? Is the soil of your writing garden dry or rich?
Compost: a combination of decomposed plants and animal materials and other organic materials that are being decomposed largely through aerobic decomposition into a rich black soil.
Ever think your daydreaming might be a waste of time? The procrastination that strikes suddenly and with paralyzing force a loss of opportunity?
Maybe not.
Deb posted a fascinating account of a conference she attended. In it, author Ursula LeGuin spoke about compost, and how it's similar to what happens in our writing lives.
LeGuin is quoted as saying,
"Compost needs silence, darkness, time and patience."
Which ingredient do you find easiest to find? Which is more elusive? Is the soil of your writing garden dry or rich?
February 15, 2012
Never Say Never
Recently as I was traversing the blogosphere, I came across an author post that stated "Never blah-blah-blah." As in never do such-and-such when you write.
I didn't read the whole thing. I'd read this author's work before and felt that the craft guideline being espoused was too extreme and perhaps breaking it a bit might've benefited this author's work.
So I moved on, knowing that I'll never say never when it comes to my writing.
The reason I'm writing this is because I love to give my opinions on this blog about how to write a great story and to share craft tips but...I'm not perfect.
This is my official disclaimer. *wink*
If you read my book and you're a writer, you'll see places where I employed active voice, kept tension on every page, and used deep pov. On other pages...well, let's just say I'm better at dishing advice than following it sometimes. :-)
Do you worry about people reading your book and being disappointed? What was the last craft rule you broke? What is your favorite one to follow?
I didn't read the whole thing. I'd read this author's work before and felt that the craft guideline being espoused was too extreme and perhaps breaking it a bit might've benefited this author's work.
So I moved on, knowing that I'll never say never when it comes to my writing.
The reason I'm writing this is because I love to give my opinions on this blog about how to write a great story and to share craft tips but...I'm not perfect.
This is my official disclaimer. *wink*
If you read my book and you're a writer, you'll see places where I employed active voice, kept tension on every page, and used deep pov. On other pages...well, let's just say I'm better at dishing advice than following it sometimes. :-)
Do you worry about people reading your book and being disappointed? What was the last craft rule you broke? What is your favorite one to follow?
February 8, 2012
Keep'n it Tight, Keep'n it Real
If there's one thing every great book needs, it's tension.
Recently I was reading a book where, although I didn't really like the heroine, I empathized with her and the story even caused me to get some prickly eyelids (you know, the almost-cry?). Imagine my surprise though when fifty pages from the end all the tension suddenly dropped out of the story. The last part of the book was a tying up of plot threads. I almost didn't finish because the sigh-worthy moments had already happened.
So how do we keep a reader turning the pages to the very end?
Tension.
But it's gotta be tight. I happen to think there should be some form of tension on every single page. Whether in the form of dialogue, actions or narrative, there needs to be something that makes the reader say, "oooh, this is going to be interesting" or "uh-oh".
Not only that, but the tension has to be real. It has to be believable. It's possible to create paper-thin conflicts. Imagine tension as a tight thread stretched from one page to the next. If the conflict/problem becomes something the reader thinks is silly or not believable or easily solved, then the thread is cut and the tautness is gone. And the reader will probably stop reading.
Do you like page-turners? What do you find harder to do in your story, tension on every page or believability to support that tension?
Recently I was reading a book where, although I didn't really like the heroine, I empathized with her and the story even caused me to get some prickly eyelids (you know, the almost-cry?). Imagine my surprise though when fifty pages from the end all the tension suddenly dropped out of the story. The last part of the book was a tying up of plot threads. I almost didn't finish because the sigh-worthy moments had already happened.
So how do we keep a reader turning the pages to the very end?
Tension.
But it's gotta be tight. I happen to think there should be some form of tension on every single page. Whether in the form of dialogue, actions or narrative, there needs to be something that makes the reader say, "oooh, this is going to be interesting" or "uh-oh".
Not only that, but the tension has to be real. It has to be believable. It's possible to create paper-thin conflicts. Imagine tension as a tight thread stretched from one page to the next. If the conflict/problem becomes something the reader thinks is silly or not believable or easily solved, then the thread is cut and the tautness is gone. And the reader will probably stop reading.
Do you like page-turners? What do you find harder to do in your story, tension on every page or believability to support that tension?
February 1, 2012
If You Like Inspirational Historical Romances...?
I think I'm supposed to get author copies soon. Yay!!
I'm looking for some honest reviews and blog stops. Is there such a thing as a "bad" review? Maybe hurtful ones but most provide a learning experience, in my opinion.
If you like to read inspirational romances or historicals or if you're just curious and would be interested in reviewing my book, I think I can send out about 20 copies. Send me an e-mail at jessica_nelson7590 AT yahoo dot com. You can find an excerpt of Love On the Range HERE.
If you'd prefer to have me as a guest poster or over for an interview, let me know. :-)
Also, I'd just like to say that I appreciate all of my blogger friends so much! You guys are wonderfully awesome and are such a part of my writing journey.
So...what do you think about reviews? Have you ever reviewed anything or been a part of a blog tour? Do you think there's such a thing as a bad review?
I'm looking for some honest reviews and blog stops. Is there such a thing as a "bad" review? Maybe hurtful ones but most provide a learning experience, in my opinion.
If you like to read inspirational romances or historicals or if you're just curious and would be interested in reviewing my book, I think I can send out about 20 copies. Send me an e-mail at jessica_nelson7590 AT yahoo dot com. You can find an excerpt of Love On the Range HERE.
If you'd prefer to have me as a guest poster or over for an interview, let me know. :-)
Also, I'd just like to say that I appreciate all of my blogger friends so much! You guys are wonderfully awesome and are such a part of my writing journey.
So...what do you think about reviews? Have you ever reviewed anything or been a part of a blog tour? Do you think there's such a thing as a bad review?
